“We just want to ensure no child goes hungry”

Last week, MPs, including Market Rasen’s own MP Sir Edward Leigh, voted against a motion to extend free school meals over the school holidays.

With family finances facing increasing pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the town’s community has stepped in to help out those in need.

Market Rasen Town Partnership and Market Rasen Action Group (MRAG) have joined forces to make sure every child who needs it will get a free packed lunch.

Some of the town’s businesses are also offering free hot dinners through the week.

Town councillor Nicola Brooksbank is one of those co-ordinating efforts.

She said: “Families need support more than ever.

“Just as with the Uniform Bank – where every child is entitled to a uniform – I firmly believe every child is entitled to a school meal.

“On Monday, we had 31 families take up the free lunch offer and since then have had more come forward.”

Local businesses and residents have been generously contributing to the lunches.

Coun Brooksbank said: “We have had local mums donate things – we had a huge amount of drinks from one.

“Garnetts has given us sweets and Howards House of Cakes will be creating some spooky cup cakes for Thursday’s lunch packs.

“I believe we are offering more than anywhere else, with lunch and hot meals provided free.

“It really is the community looking after the community.”

The ‘grab and go’ pack-ups for all children under 16 are available between noon 
and 1.30pm every day until Friday.

The March Hare is distributing meals at 3pm for those who pre-order, Monday to Saturday, but not Thursday and the burger van on the Gallamore Lane Estate is delivering a hot meal for the whole family tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4.30pm, as will the Indian Curry Pot on Friday .

To find out more and to book, call 07912 789745.

To book a March Hare meal, message them through Facebook

MRAG chairman Julie Lambie said: “No one should feel that they cant access these services.

“All information is confidential. No questions will be asked, no judgement and no pressure. We just want to ensure no child goes hungry.”